This is my first new computer in 8 years. I ordered it right after the presentation on October 19, and it arrived yesterday. I can’t think of a negative thing to say about it. It’s blazingly fast compared to my late 2013 MacBook Pro retina 13-inch.
I ordered the base model, plus upped the RAM to 32 GB (compared to 16 GB on my old computer) and increased the internal storage to 2 TB (compared to 512 GB on my old computer). This was important because I couldn’t even fit my Photos library on my internal drive anymore; it had been on an external SSD. Photos app is much quicker now, and it will make backups going forward easier too.
Using the Migration Assistant it was very straightforward to migrate my data by connecting my Time Machine drive to the new MBP using a nifty, lightweight, inexpensive adapter I got that includes three USB ports and an Thunderbolt 3 compatible Ethernet connector, replacing the old Apple Thunderbolt 2 Ethernet connector I had. It works very well. My network speed is great, and I am able to connect my external drive and my old hub with the Time Machine drive and Carbon Copy Cloner drive to it.
Absolutely no problems so far. It’s beautiful, bright, and did I say fast? It’s amazingly fast compared to my 2013 computer. Everything is like instantaneous.
Here are some photos, with some more details.
The box arrived! That’s Pao’s stuff under the dining room table. The box itself is unusually sturdy, with thick walls. I only mention it because I’d never seen such a nicely constructed cardboard box before.Removing the seal.Opening the box. Apparently there’s some controversy over the non-illuminated new black logo, but I think it looks great.There has also been some debate about the new MBP because it’s thicker than those of recent years. But it’s actually slightly thinner than my 2013 version. Part of this has to do with restoring the kind of keyboard people like and more ports. It handles fine even with one hand. The weight is about the same as my 2013 model.Ports on the left side: MagSafe power connector, two Thunderbolt 4 ports, and a headphone jack.Ports on the right side: An SD card slot, one Thunderbolt 4 connector, and and HDMI connector. So the total number of ports is actually one less than on my old MBP, but the new ports are more flexible.The charger “brick” – about the same size as my old one, but 67 W instead of 60 W. Apple also offers a larger 97 W charging brick, and people who got it seem to be complaining about how large and bulky it is. I’m good with this one.Everybody seems to love the new MagSafe cable, which is textured, instead of just a plain plastic covering like the old ones.Opening the new MBP for the first time. It still has a protective screen sheet on it. The MBP was sent fully charged and chimed and started running as soon as I opened the lid.I hooked up my Time Machine external drive and started the migration assistant. It took about 5-6 hours to finish transferring 500 GB of data and over 2 million files, but worked without a hitch.This is the very lightweight, inexpensive, multipurpose cable/adaptor I got that includes an Ethernet connector to attach to my router, and three USB plugs for attaching old drives and whatever. Works great.
Ethernet speed is at least as good as it was with the original Apple Thunderbolt 2 to Ethernet adapter I had – 760 Mbps download / 861 Mbps upload on my home fiber optic: https://www.speedtest.net/my-result/d/367497809
My new 2021 MBP on the left, and my old 2013 MBP on the right.Even though the body is about the same size and weight (it’s even a little thinner), the new display is larger (14-inch vs 13-inch) and much brighter. I haven’t experienced some of the new specs like 120 Hz motion yet, but the display really is beautiful. There’s a notch now (which I don’t notice) for the improved FaceTime camera, which I haven’t tested yet.The keyboard is beautiful. The top row are full-sized function keys, instead of half-height like on my old MBP, and in the top right is a TouchID sensor, which has already come in handy when opening up certain settings that require extra security. No need to manually enter your computer password each time.Here’s my new MBP on my desk, in front of the external display.
Anyway, I have most things up and running now. I needed to update Chrome to the Apple Silicon version (otherwise it would use Rosetta), and I still haven’t set up BackBlaze to “inherit” my old Mac’s backup. And I really don’t know what’s new in MacOS Monterey yet. But so far it’s great.
There’s this cute article somebody recommended that semi-sarcastically skips over the last 5 years of MacBook Pros, with various keyboard and port complaints, and praises this new MBP from the viewpoint of many years ago. It’s a fun read, so check it out. I didn’t have any of those intermediate versions, so it’s all good to me!
I do think I will change the new default screensaver though. It looks sort of apocalyptic when swirling.
Anyway, it’s fun to have a new computer after all these years. Now to get some work done!
Comments
Love my new MacBook Pro M1 Pro 14-inch — 1 Comment
That’s all great news! It’s always nice to be satisfied with a new purchase. I got a very basic M1 Macbook Air that has also been holding up flawlessly, and a noticeable improvement over my 2015 Macbook Air. I also replaced my 2013 MacPro, but not with an Apple product. I can share more about that through messaging.
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That’s all great news! It’s always nice to be satisfied with a new purchase. I got a very basic M1 Macbook Air that has also been holding up flawlessly, and a noticeable improvement over my 2015 Macbook Air. I also replaced my 2013 MacPro, but not with an Apple product. I can share more about that through messaging.